Description

The Salina Airport Authority invites applications for the position of Director of Administration and Finance, a senior executive leadership role responsible for the Authority’s financial management, administrative operations, risk management, and statutory compliance. The Director of Administration and Finance reports directly to the Executive Director and serves as a key member of the Authority’s executive leadership team. This position provides strategic financial oversight and operational leadership to ensure the Airport and Airport Industrial Center are managed in a fiscally responsible, transparent, compliant, and sustainable manner. Responsibilities span budgeting, accounting, grants administration, and risk and insurance programs, and board and public reporting.

Deputy / Transitionary Onboarding Period
As part of onboarding, the position includes an initial deputy and transitionary period, during which the successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director and existing senior leadership to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Authority’s financial systems, capital programs, regulatory environment, and organizational structure. During this period, the Director of Administration and Finance will assume increasing responsibility for executive-level decision-making, cross-department coordination, and strategic planning, ensuring continuity of operations and effective knowledge transfer.

This transitionary approach is intended to position the Director of Administration and Finance as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and Board, while preparing the individual to exercise broad independent judgment and leadership across administrative, financial, and compliance functions.

In this capacity, the Director of Administration and Finance works closely with the Director of Facilities and Construction, Manager of Operations, and other department leaders to align financial planning, capital investment, risk management, and administrative support with operational and strategic priorities of the Airport and Industrial Center.

Responsibilities
Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center

1. Serve as a senior advisor to the Executive Director on financial, administrative, and organizational matters, and represent the Executive Director as delegated in matters related to finance, administration, and compliance.
2. Lead the Authority’s financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, cash management, financial reporting, and long-range financial planning in support of airport and industrial center operations and development.
3. Oversee financial, accounting, and administrative operations to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, grant assurances, and Authority policies.
4. Administer and monitor federal, state, and local grant programs; research and evaluate funding opportunities; and coordinate grant budgeting, drawdowns, reporting, and audits.
5. Support commercial air service and airport development initiatives through financial analysis, funding strategies, and coordination with internal departments and external partners.
6. Provide financial oversight and coordination support for environmental programs, including the former Schilling Air Force Base environmental cleanup activities.
7. Analyze financial and operational data to evaluate performance, identify cost-reduction opportunities, improve efficiency, and recommend policy or program enhancements.
8. Negotiate and administer contracts, professional services agreements, and major purchases related to financial, administrative, and support functions. 
9. Serve as the Authority’s Risk Manager, overseeing insurance programs, claims management, and risk mitigation strategies to protect personnel, facilities, assets, and operations.
10. Recruit, supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate administrative and finance staff; promote cross-training, succession planning, and professional development.
11. Prepare and present financial reports, analyses, and recommendations to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, auditors, and other stakeholders.
12. Assist in the development and implementation of airport initiatives, strategic plans, policies, and procedures, ensuring alignment between operational objectives and financial capacity.
13. Perform all duties with a high degree of independent judgment, discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality consistent with executive-level responsibility.

Requirements

The Salina Airport Authority seeks a highly qualified professional with demonstrated expertise in public-sector finance, administration, and leadership. Candidates will be evaluated based on the following education, experience, skills, and competencies.

Required Qualifications:
Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.

Professional Experience
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public-sector financial management, airport administration, or a comparable governmental or enterprise environment, with demonstrated responsibility for budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.

Public Finance & Regulatory Knowledge
Strong working knowledge of public-sector finance, accounting principles (GAAP/GASB), grant administration, procurement, and compliance requirements applicable to airports or similar public entities, including familiarity with FAA-funded programs.

Analytical & Strategic Skills
Demonstrated ability to analyze financial and operational data, evaluate performance, develop sound recommendations, and support policy, program, and investment decisions.

Communication Skills
Ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex financial and administrative information through written reports, presentations, and oral communication to executive leadership, governing boards, auditors, and external stakeholders.

Leadership & Initiative
Proven ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, professional judgment, and accountability while operating within a collaborative executive leadership structure.

Public Presentation & Stakeholder Engagement
Experience presenting to boards, public officials, community groups, and professional audiences in a clear, confident, and professional manner.

Technology Proficiency
Proficiency with Windows-based computer systems and enterprise software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and related financial and administrative systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

Professional Credentials
CPA, MBA, or other advanced professional certification in accounting, finance, public administration, or business administration preferred.

Aviation Industry Credentials
AAAE Certified Member (CM) or Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation preferred.

Airport / Public Infrastructure Experience
Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in airport administration, aviation-related finance, or public infrastructure finance, preferably within a commercial service airport environment.

Grants & Capital Program Experience
Demonstrated experience administering federal and state grant programs and supporting capital improvement planning, project budgeting, and financial compliance.